How much should a dog or cat vaccination cost in the UK?

Vaccinations are one of the most routine things you'll do as a pet owner — and one of the most variable in price. Depending on where you live and which practice you use, the same annual booster jab can cost anywhere from £35 to over £80. That's before the consultation fee.

So what's a fair price, and when should you be questioning what you're being charged?

What does a dog vaccination typically cover?

The core vaccine for dogs — sometimes called the DHPPi — covers distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza. Most dogs will also need a leptospirosis vaccine, and if they're going to kennels or mixing with other dogs, kennel cough too. Puppies need an initial course of two or three injections, then annual or three-yearly boosters depending on the vaccine type.

A typical full puppy vaccination course runs between £80 and £150 across two visits. Annual boosters tend to range from £40 to £75, though practices in London and the South East often charge more.

What about cats?

Cats are vaccinated against cat flu (feline herpesvirus and calicivirus) and feline infectious enteritis as standard. Some vets also recommend vaccination against feline leukaemia, particularly for cats that go outdoors. An initial kitten course typically costs £60 to £120, with annual boosters around £40 to £65.

Why do prices vary so much?

Location plays a part — practices in cities tend to charge more than those in rural areas. But the bigger factor is whether the practice is independent or part of a corporate group. The CMA's investigation found that larger corporate chains tend to charge more on average than independent practices for the same procedures.

That's not to say corporate practices are bad — many offer excellent care — but it does mean that shopping around before you commit to a practice could save you a meaningful amount every year, particularly if you have multiple pets.

The CMA found that pet owners rarely compare vet prices before choosing a practice, and that most stick with the same vet for years without questioning the cost.

What should you do?

With price lists now becoming mandatory under the new CMA rules, comparing vaccination costs before you book is simpler than it's ever been. It takes two minutes and could save you £30-40 a year — more if you have more than one pet.